Its proximity to beaches, the river and Maroochydore CBD makes Cotton Tree desirable.
Perched on the banks of the Maroochy River where the fresh water meanders its way to meet the ocean, Cotton Tree has transformed from a lazy holiday spot to a bustling cosmopolitan mecca.
Gone are the days when the area was mainly beach shacks and holidays houses, these are quickly being snapped up by investors wanting to renovate or detonate to make way for small duplexes and unit sites.
The name comes across from native cotton trees you can find along the shore of the Maroochy River. Back in the day, Aborigines used the outer bark of the tree for nets and fishing line cord, the inner bark was a remedy for boils and headaches, while the buds and shoots were used for food.
Cotton Tree has long been a favourite holiday destination with its two oceanfront camping grounds still drawing a year-round crowd as well as the range of flashy beachside units and high-rise apartments offering a sophisticated level of relaxation and a great coastal escape.
It’s the people of the laid-back Cotton Tree that have kept Trent Hammill happy on the river and in the beachside suburb all these years.
“We’ve had people from cooler states come up and stay for months,” he said. “I don’t blame them – Cotton Tree is a beautiful area with great people, they really make it was it is.” “It’s a good spot to live. It’s got everything here.” “I love the entire Coast, but Cotton Tree would definitely have to be one of my favourite spots.” Trent said the quiet suburb was within walking distance of the local shops along king Street, the Sunshine Coast Plaza, the bowls club, Maroochydore RSL, Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club and even the library.
Visitors come to swim, picnic, camp and to enjoy the simple pleasures that this picturesque area has to offer. Over time, the attraction of Cotton Tree has only been enhanced by the multi-million dollar makeover of the stretch of parkland along the river and beach.
New pathways wind through the green of the park now with a renovated war memorial, new playground equipment, bench seating and BBQ facilities.
The main street has come along way from the typical corner store selling burgers and shakes, popular with surfies. It now boasts swanky cafes, classy restaurants and trendy boutiques, as well as the necessities including the post office, butcher, grocer and newsagency.
Not only is Cotton Tree on the doorstop of the Sunshine Plaza and Big Top Centre, it has a number of sporting and lifestyle clubs, tennis courts, river walks, parkland, football fields, medical facilities and a public swimming pool.
Source: Domain Property Week | Felicity Richardson